Roberto Di Matteo has admitted he faces an anxious wait over John Terry’s fitness, but Chelsea’s interim manager hinted he may be forced to risk the defender at a critical time of the season.

Terry, who has cracked ribs, will not be involved against Wigan Athletic today and there is unease about the extent of his contribution before the semi-finals of the Champions League and FA Cup. “Every time he gets a knock he will go a step back,” said Di Matteo who, despite understanding that Terry requires “time to heal”, cannot help but wish to call upon him. “There’s a risk every time you go on the pitch. It’s something players have to live with.”

The captain lasted an hour in midweek when Benfica were eliminated from the Champions League. “We had to take him off because he sustained another knock on his rib and couldn’t breathe,” said the manager.